Nearly seven weeks in: Checkup with Dr. Abkin, pizza and other happiness

My 6 week checkup went well, very well. Dr. Abkin who is a unique surgeon in that he doesn't have a set schedule of "tightening" the lapband says I am way ahead of schedule on weight loss: 40 pounds in 6 1/2 weeks. I'm sorry, I didn't say that loudly enough: 40 pounds in merely 6  1/2 weeks. Therefore, there is nothing to do but stay the course at this point. He prefers that I eat 800 calories per day but I am still stuck in the 650-750 range. I shall have to force myself to eat a tad more. Reread that sentence and be amazed, cause I sure as heck am. LOL! What a startling turn of events this is!

Then we reviewed a lot of "Can I eat this or can I eat that?" Turns out that those little sweet peppers that taste so good are ok (11 calories each), tomatoes, even with the skin are ok, brussel sprouts yes, asparagus no, broccoli sort of ok (no stems), ditto cauliflower, carrots yes, strawberries yes, crisp apples yes but mushy ones no (skin harder to digest).

Popcorn...........YES! "Please chew it well and get the high fiber 94% fat-free brands." "But of course, Dr."

Pizza.................YES! YEA! "Just one piece of thin crust, cut into little pieces, chew well and don't do it too often." I saluted, "Yes, sir, Captain Doctor."

We then spent a half-hour with his IT person discussing an on-line collaboration. This should help my book sales down the road.

Oh yes, that "we" would be my sig-other, Eileen Brenner, with whom I was forced to sign a document by the Dr's office that she had the right to keep me in line during the dieting period. Really! She has been immensely helpful in reminding me not to eat too quickly and take smaller bites. That last one is one of the hardest things to remember. I attribute her help for my not having any "clogging of the pipes" to date.

Thanks, HB. (Honey Bunny)

Michael Pickert MD

Week 6 report: minor plateau but no worries

OK, I knew this was going to happen and therefore I am not upset. Despite eating less than 750 calories  per day (my intimates know that I am obsessed with being accurate), I have only lost 5 pounds over the last two weeks. Total to date is 37 pounds in 6 weeks, an awesome total  so I am not worried. I have my next checkup this Thursday which is the first time I would be eligible for a tightening (a fill as we lapbanders call it) of the rubber band that is constricting my stomach. Yes, a rubber band-like gizmo. However, I won't get one nor does he advise one if the diet is going well. I think it is, how about you?

My blood pressure has stabilized after I discontinued (under doctor's orders) 3 of the 4 pills I was on. I snore less and I have more energy. DUH! I only have clothes down another thirty pounds or so then I will have to get a temporary wardrobe.

Next report: after my appointment on Thursday. Until then, please pass the mustard (5 calories per serving)

Michael Pickert MD
mickp_24@hotmail.com

One Month Anniversary but please skip the cake

Wednesday, June 8th was the one month anniversary of my weight loss journey but please do not send me any cake. In celebration I enjoyed 2 tablespoons of  Jello: low cal Chocolate Pudding. (If you make it with less than the recommended ratio of mixture to low fat milk, it is so good!) The results of my sojourn to date are as follows:


I estimate that I have "saved" 87,930 calories. 


My weight loss is consistent with that prediction because my digital scale shows a loss of......drum roll please....

32 POUNDS


Yes, you read that correctly. I am losing a little more than one pound a day!


Now how can that be? Well, I am eating less than 650 calories per day. Yes, you read that correctly also. Here's how:


Every morning I go to my calorie spreadsheet and plan my day:


Breakfast is always 1 serving of Cream of Wheat + 3 ounces of Oikos Yogurt. I spruce up the Cream of Wheat with I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Spray. (Even Eileen is impressed with the taste and we all know how fussy she is) To the yogurt I add a little Equal but obviously, that wouldn't be to everyone's taste. Regardless the total is 170 calories. 


For lunch I plan either a small can of tuna (itty-bitty can that is) or maybe 2 pieces of gefilte fish or 5 egg whites. To the tuna and egg whites, I add 15 calories of low-fat mayo. (Hellman's brand) The gefilte fish takes a touch of horseradish. To accompany I also plan either 1/2 cup of peas and carrots or 4 ounces of cottage cheese. Then I have dessert of 1 tablespoon of the aforementioned chocolate pudding. Total: 200 calories


In mid-afternoon, I have a cup of bouillon soup and in between I drink water and/or various flavors of Crystal Light. (You can buy individual packets for a single bottle of water) 


Dinner last night as I celebrated at a local Italian restaurant was: 5 ounces of seafood salad, hold the oil please!, plus 4 ounces of steamed carrots, on the mushy side. I brought my scale, butter spray, some nearly-zero calorie pickled peppers and some onion salt for taste. My dinner companions, Marc and Stacy were amused but understanding. When I got home, I was into the chocolate pudding again for 2 tablespoons. Total: 210 calories


Total for the day: 580 calories


Feeling: PRICELESS